Hail to the Chief

PDX Hibernian Independent – 10 September 2026

More than an email. Less than a newspaper. Weekly newsletter of the Portland Hibernian Society. Delivered every Thursday morning. Available on your browser with photos.

Next Meeting - September 17 – Kells Restaurant 112 SW Second Ave – Six P.M.

Guest Speaker – Steve Law, author of Peddlers of Hate – How the Ku Klux Klan Seized Power in 1920s Oregon – Seven P.M.

How that happened has become a “hot topic” a century after private schools were almost shut down in Oregon by order of the electorate. Steve Law, a diligent journalist with the work ethic of ten men, assembles the story in his first book: Peddlers of Hate – How the Ku Klux Klan Seized Power in 1920s Oregon. He’s already spoken to packed houses in Ashland and at Powell’s Books on Burnside. There have been several reviews published. All are positive, and all note how remarkable it is that most Oregonians are unaware of this chapter in the state’s history.

NEW - Steve Law talks with the PDX HI about how the Klan conquered Oregon for a few years.

President Trump loves golf and he loves his golf resorts, especially the one in Ireland in County Clare. (This book is a great read by the way.)

Trump in Ireland Saturday

The headline on the story at the PHS website on July 7 read: Trump has a scheduling conflict. Golf in Ireland or 9/11 ceremonies? On the eve of 9/11 we know the answer. President Trump will fly to Dublin tomorrow evening after attending the 9/11 ceremonies at the Pentagon. The newest Air Force One will land at DUB Saturday morning. He’ll meet President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Dublin high society is expected to turn out out to hear his comments at the Irish Embassy. Saturday afternoon it’s off to Doonbeg. Here’s the full itinerary including the reunion with his sons Eric and Donald Jr. Protests are expected. So is lousy weather with showers forecast for Dublin and Doonbeg.

The Irish Open is underway

If you’re thinking of placing a bet on the Amgen Irish Open, here are the latest forecasts. Rory McIlroy is the clear favorite, with Jon Rahm his nearest challenger. Robert MacIntyre, Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry expected to contend. Trump’s expected to present the trophy to the winner Sunday. Here’s how to watch beginning today (Thursday).

Katie Taylor’s storybook finish

Katie Taylor of Bray won the final match of her storied career at historic Croke Park in Dublin last Saturday night. The audience in Ireland was huge. “Katie Taylor's final victory was a national moment that will be remembered for many years to come,” said the man from RTE. Here are the numbers. No more fighting for Katie, who’s 40, but she’s already booked for a series of public appearances around Ireland in 2027.

Lots of local Irish music

Local Irish renaissance man Brian Ó hAirt saw the items in last week’s PDX HI about local Irish music in September and passed this along.

Some non-profit communities that account for the dances, concerts, and sessions that happen in Portland proper: Portland Set Dancing, run by father/daughter duo Phil and Maldon Meehan: Click here. . Mícheál Ó Domhnaill Branch of Oregon, the local branch of international Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ): Click here. Brian himself is one of the session musicians that plays at Kells Downton on Thursday evenings.

Ireland Summer of 2027 - Gemma Whelan drop plans for theater tour

This just in from Shangana Press, which hosts the annual theater tour to Galway and Dublin: Attend eight performances by both Irish and international playwrights and theatre companies at world-renowned theatres in Dublin and Galway. A tour for anyone who's interested in theatre, literature, or the arts. And, there's plenty of time for you to explore on your own as well. Led by Irish-born director Gemma Whelan and Adam Liberman. Click here for details.

Ireland Summer of 2026 - Stories from the road

Spotted this on the agenda for the September 9 meeting of the All-Ireland Cultural Society.September 19 3 P.M. – General meeting at the Oregon Stamp Society... meet and greet and hear about the Irish travels three families had this summer.